An interview with Mark Gong, the designer who dresses Lisa, Jennie, and Rihanna
Who is Mark Gong? What is the charm of his designs that have captured the hearts of international stars such as Rihanna, Nana, Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Liu Yifei?
Chinese designer Mark Gong, who graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York, founded his eponymous brand Markgong in 2018. With his unique urban style and strong feminist spirit, he has made a name for himself in the fashion world, and his works have been featured in New York and Shanghai Fashion Weeks many times.
Starting with the 2024 Spring/Summer fashion spree, Markgong launched a fashion series themed on Sex & the City. The 2024 Spring/Summer series, inspired by Samantha Jones, focused on independent working women, setting off the Office Siren trend; while in the 2024 Fall/Winter series, Markgong used fashion to interpret the drunken breakup scene between Carrie Bradshaw and Miranda Hobbes on a snowy night in late winter, focusing on the friendship between women.
In the latest Markgong 2025 Spring/Summer series, we finally ushered in the final chapter of the Sex & the City series - Charlotte York.
"Charlotte has always been pursuing marriage, family and a stable life, but is this really what she desires in her heart? Just like many women today are pursuing marriage, but is this really the life they really want?"
L'OFFICIEL talks to designer Mark Gong, who explains to us the character of Charlotte, the most complex housewife image for him, and also talks about the moments that make him feel happy and warm.
L'OFFICIEL: In the 2025 Spring/Summer collection released by Markgong, the brand brought the final chapter of the Sex & the City theme - Charlotte York. How is this collection different from the previous ones? What was the reason for choosing Charlotte as the ending of the whole story?
Mark Gong: Sex and the City is a TV series that I like very much. This drama has a very profound meaning for me to understand and enter the fashion industry. Samantha is my favorite character. When I first wanted to use Sex and the City as the theme of my series, I started to use her as the main inspiration. Charlotte represents the most typical American elite white female image with old money style. Because of her entanglement and affectation, she has become my least favorite character in the show.
Therefore, this series is different from the previous series. It is more of an in-depth exploration of the character of Charlotte York. I chose Charlotte as the final chapter because she represents the conflict between tradition and modernity. Her growth process symbolizes the struggle and trade-offs of women between family, career and self.
By interpreting her image, I want to reveal a deeper emotional layer, which is also a reflection on the concept of marriage and family. So, in the 2025 Spring/Summer series, you will see many elements that Markgong has never tried before.
L: Markgong not only recreated Charlotte York's home in the 2025 Spring/Summer Bridge design, but also carefully designed different scenes to display fashion in the 2024 Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer fashion shows. What is the purpose and significance of setting up the show in this way? Did you encounter any difficulties in recreating these scenes?
M: Every catwalk layout and design is to better convey the emotions and atmosphere of the story. I think it is too boring to simply let the models walk on the catwalk and show everyone the clothes. Fashion shows allow the audience to immerse into the story described by the designer and connect with the models and clothes. I hope that every audience can immerse themselves in the design context I want to express.
When recreating Charlotte's home, I want the audience to feel the complexity and contradictions in her heart and to show the conflict between her pursuit of a perfect life and reality. The biggest challenge in this process was connecting the emotions of the space and the clothing. In order to completely restore Charlotte's home, our team spent a lot of resources on the layout and design of every detail, but I am still very satisfied with the final result.
L: Markgong discussed the topic of female friendship this season. How do you interpret female friendship? What does friendship mean to you?
M: Female friendship is complex and profound. It is not only about daily sharing and support, but also involves competition, jealousy and growth. I think friendship is a way for us to connect with ourselves and others.
It is not only an emotional sustenance but also a catalyst for growth. For me, friendship means mutual understanding, support and common progress. So I am also very grateful to my family, friends and colleagues who have struggled with me along the way.
L: What do you think is the relationship between clothing making and storytelling, and how do you balance the two?
M: The inspiration for Markgong's clothes comes from life itself, so for me, I don't need to spend too much energy to balance clothing making and storytelling. When I decided to do this story, I already had a rough outline and idea. The relationship between the two is complementary. I need to let everyone walk into the life scenes of these clothes through the story and create interaction and topic at the same time.
L: People sometimes compare your designs to the Office Siren style which has been very popular in the past two years. How do you feel about that?
M: The Office Siren style is an interpretation of the image of women in the workplace. I think it expresses the independence and confidence of modern women in the workplace. I resonate with this style because my designs often start with strong and independent female images. Through my designs, I want to show the balance of women in multiple roles and their inner strength.
L: Whether it is the popular style on the Internet or the discussion on the role of "housewife" in Spring/Summer 2025, do you deliberately pursue the more popular topics on the Internet?
M: I don’t deliberately pursue Internet hot spots, but draw inspiration from social phenomena and personal experiences. The theme of the "Sex and the City" trilogy is not within the scope of the marketing and communication plan we set, but more of my perception of the show.
The content of the Internet hot discussion sometimes does reflect some current trends or social emotions, but I pay more attention to starting from the true emotions in my heart and exploring more in-depth and multi-faceted themes.
L: What kind of art do you like? How do they influence your design and creation?
M: I tend to draw inspiration from movies and TV shows. I will find the design language that is suitable for the role or story I want to interpret and then tell it. Of course, resonance is the most inspiring thing for creation!
L: The images created by your design series often have a unique urban temperament. What is your understanding of the concept "urban"?
M: "City" is a place full of opportunities and challenges for me. I think urban women are real, bold, unrestrained and courageous. In my series, I have played the diva, career woman and even housewife... They are all women who dare to break away from the secular rules, fearless and, at the same time, capable. No matter how their identities change, they can find their own position in this rapidly changing environment. My design aims to show their strength and softness and show their multiple identities in modern society.
L: In your design career so far, is there any moment that made you feel the happiness and pride brought by your work?
M: When I see my products are selling well (laughs)! Whenever I see people wearing the clothes I designed showing confidence and strength, I feel extremely happy and proud. Also, when the story I want to express is discussed by everyone and everyone can empathize with my story, I will feel that I have done it again.
L: Nowadays, fashion is becoming more conservative. What do you think of this phenomenon? How does this situation affect you?
M: It is true that with the change of social pressure and aesthetic concepts, fashion tends to be conservative. For me, this phenomenon has not affected my creative freedom. Fashion is diverse and it should provide everyone with space to express themselves and challenge the norm. I believe that no matter how the trend changes, individuality and innovation are eternal themes.
L: Rihanna also wore your work when she came to Shanghai. How did you feel at that time?
M: I was so happy that I fainted! This is a recognition of my work and philosophy, and it is also a huge motivation. The dress she wore is still in my closet, hahahaha.
L: Many world-renowned artists, including Rihanna, Nana, Liu Yifei, Lisa, and Jiso,o have worn your clothes. What impact has the support of these celebrities had on your brand?
M: The most direct thing is that more people have seen and known Markgong, which has helped the brand gain wider recognition. In my opinion, they all fit my inner setting of Gonggirl, and this support has made me more determined in my design direction.
L: The brand is becoming more and more well-known. After the "Sex and the City" series is finished, what special expectations do you have for Markgong?
M: Although Markgong’s “Sex and the City” series has reached its final chapter, Markgong will still convey Gonggirl’s free and unrestrained attitude as always, so please look forward to Markgong’s story in the next season!
Interview & Text: KE WU
